Catholic Charities
Chemung County Samaritan Center

PRESCRIPTION PROGRAM

The Samaritan Center Prescription Program was established in 1992 to assist low-income individuals and families without financial resources to obtain prescription medications. In 1998 the Samaritan Center became the only Human Service agency in Chemung County to offer this assistance. In 1999, the Center provided 208 individuals with medical prescription needs. In 2001, the number assisted increased to 246 individuals. To date, the Center has assisted 172 individuals (9/02).

The Samaritan Center will provide at lease a three day supply of needed medication for those in need. The Center works with Medicaid and assists with facilitated enrollment, works closely with physicians and area hospitals and has contracts with four area pharmacies to assist in providing needed medications. The Center assesses the needs of the client and also facilitates long-term solutions for long term medical needs to various health insurance programs with referrals to programs, such as Medicaid, Child Health Plus/Family Health Plus, and EPIC. After assessing the client's prescription needs, a voucher to one of the four area pharmacies is given to the party concerned for the medication needed.

Individuals taking advantage of this program are provides assistance once every six months. To be eligible, individuals must be at or under the 185% poverty level. However, if an individual above the poverty level presents a need and this need is confirmed through the physician's office, the Samaritan Center will assist with the medication need.

The Prescription Assistance Program began in November 2002 to assist individuals with chronic medical prescription needs. People are referred from are physicians and hospitals. Eligibility is based on the pharmaceutical company offering the medication. The Samaritan Center does all the paperwork and contacts physicians offices to ensure that the person needing the medication receives it as soon as possible. When it comes time for refills, the Center will assist the person with obtaining the necessary refill. Although "walk-ins" are welcome to apply for this program, it is suggested that appointments be made with the Medical Coordinator at the Center.